City Council
A $50K Bloomberg grant puts climate problem-solving in young people’s hands.
Later this summer, Pittsburgh's young people could help develop local climate solutions. On May 27, council gave preliminary approval to a $50,000 Bloomberg Philanthropies grant for the effort. City staff said it would become microgrants of up to $5,000, with local youth organizations as partners. If the city moves quickly, Bloomberg may double the amount, a city manager said.
Written by Amy Whipple
Later this summer, Pittsburgh’s youth will have the opportunity to help develop local climate solutions.
Council gave preliminary approval at its May 27 committee meeting to accept a $50,000 grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies for the Youth Climate Action Fund. More than 300,000 young people from 15-24 years old from 300 cities around the world participate in the program.
Andrew Hayhurst, senior manager of innovation for the Department of Innovation and Performance, said the city will break up the money into microgrants for up to $5,000.
According to Senior Manager of Digital Services Chris Belasco, the city will partner with local organizations that already work with youth. Organizations include, among others, 412 Food Rescue, Assemble, and Grounded Strategies.
Council Member Deb Gross of Highland Park said, “The public has suggested that we find more things for people in this age range to do and to make the project meaningful, not just lip service.”
“If we can do this quickly, we can also get additional funding for Bloomberg,” Hayhurst said. “They may double the amount that we get.”
A selection committee will decide which projects to move forward with and provide additional funding toward.
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